Feeling like Charlie Brown, flat on his back with stars spinning around his head after Lucy exploits him once again with the infamous kick-the-football trick—how could I be so stupid?

I guess I should have known better, history tells the tale. Conservative Christianity in all its many forms has sadly been an undeniable contributor to more human atrocities than perhaps any other faith group. The Crusades, the pillaging of the American Indian, the rise of Nazism, black slavery, sexism, the demonization of the LGBTQ community, and the onset of Transgender suicides are just a few examples. Find me a place where discrimination, spiritual oppression, bigotry, sexism, racism, imperialism, and the drums of war abound, and there you will have found, in some order or fashion, the direct influence of conservative Christianity.

Yet, with all your state-of-the-art worship facilities as far as the eye can see, and books upon books about Christian living. With million dollar celebrity pastors, inspirational conferences, hip concert t-shirts, and clever bumperstickers calling me to repentance. With all your sin-busting accountability partners, schools, colleges, and radio stations. With Bibles for every interest group and study guides to go with them, you almost had me reconsidering—maybe you’ve changed?

The way you quote scripture so easily and raise your hands in worship so passionately. The way you claim the inside scoop to all that is truth so confidently, and put on such a glistening smile so convincingly. The way your children win top prize at nearly every “Bible memorization” contest, fold their hands in school prayer, and have those cute little “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets. I mean, just the sheer mass and volume of scriptural Memes that daily adorn your Facebook page—certainly, you’ve turned over a new leaf and things must be altogether different.

No more bigotry, discrimination, double-standards, self-centeredness, legalism, condemnation, and overall spiritual nastiness—it’s a new day with an all new heart for Jesus, right?

Just when I started to believe again—renewed my hope in hope. Just when I was ready to be the proud prodigal father and usher in a planet-shaking party. You elected him, you support him now, and the love affair still continues. Trump—the bright orange flare shot out of hell as a sure sign and declaration that nothing about conservative Christianity has changed, but tragically has become far worse. Even Satan himself tires of his tomfoolery.

Never has there been a more childish, dishonorable, arrogant, hypocritical, salacious and unpresidential President in all of American history. Worst of all, apparently none of that matters to you and some within your tribe actually celebrate it. The nationalism of your conservative faith, the preservation of your privilege, the full fruition of your xenophobia, and the expanse of your spiritual policing, are apparently worth the hypocrisy it’s costing you and the countless lives it’s destroying. Hell has no fury and Jesus has no enemy like a Trump-loving conservative Christian.

With all due respect, your diabolical joke-of-a-gospel is no Gospel at all—seducing people into a pretentious, performance-driven, self-righteous, elitist, white-centered, male-dominated cult that looks nothing like Jesus, all while pimping it as biblical faithfulness. It’s a grand cosmic scheme, whose primary purpose is to spiritualize hate, discrimination, greed, imperialism, violence and condemnation—turning Jesus into the hood ornament of your world bulldozer.

Yet, the best ideas you’ve contrived in defense of your creed and its orange-haired messiah, is to point fingers at Hilary’s mistakes, diminish Obama’s presidency, and bullhorn your talking points and proof texts in hopes of drowning out your dissenters.

Well, excuse me for expecting you to act like Jesus.

Excuse me for being a tad bit embarrassed when you dare to call yourself a Christian.

Excuse me for getting upset when I see you leave the poor helpless, deny healthcare benefits, and prosper the rich at the hands of your ruthless insatiable appetite for power and privilege.

Excuse me when I vomit at the sound of your empty, self-aggrandizing worship while you belittle, ostracize, marginalize, and build walls against refugees, foreigners, and immigrants.

Excuse me why my neck veins bulge at your condemnation of the LGBTQ community with greek words in a book that were not translated to mean “homosexual” until conveniently in 1945, by conservative Christians.

Excuse me while I raise my eyebrows at all your legalistic self-righteous sin-inspecting ways, while your make-up ladened daughters dance in two-piece costumes, sixty percent of your husbands and pastors watch pornography, and your divorce rate is higher than that of atheists.

Excuse me when I choke on my spit, when you stand on the sidelines of everyone’s sexuality, as if you have the divine authority to dictate every play—especially when it seems like your the one with the issues, wanting most to get into the game.

Excuse me for the face-palm when you put on display the full fanfare of your racism, deprecating people of minority who protest, express rage, and demand rightful justice in ways that are not to your privileged comfort or liking.

Excuse me when I grow in anger and frustration with every legislation you seek to impose that reverses the desegregation of our school systems, Christianizes public education, and further turns our country of religious freedom into a totalitarian Christian state and nation.

Excuse me when I laugh in disgust at all your boycotting, demands, and vacillation with Transgender people in bathrooms, when more sexual crimes are committed in public restrooms by Republican politicians than have ever been committed by a Transgender person.

Excuse me when I cringe at all your claims to be a people and a faith that are pro-life, when you portray God and interpret the Scriptures in every way possible that justifies the spiritual, emotional, and even physical death of the people with whom you disagree or deem to be the enemy.

Yes, excuse me.

Excuse me when I call you on the carpet for electing and supporting a President who couldn’t even meet your church’s requirements for serving in the nursery.

To be sure, we’re all saved by Grace, but this is getting ridiculous.

Where you take and deny, Jesus gives and blesses.

Where you build taller walls, Jesus builds longer tables.

Where you judge and condemn, Jesus loves and embraces.

Where you huddle in like-minded clubs with crosses on top, Jesus is serving and unconditionally loving the masses.

Where you quote and proof-text, Jesus redefines, reinterprets, and puts love at the highest place.

Where your faith seeks to make the most of you, Jesus seeks to serve the least of these.

Where you smite, deny, and demonize the enemy, Jesus is giving Grace and loving scandalously.

Where you elect, embrace, and support such a Christ-less president, Jesus asks the sure question, “are you serious?”

You want to silence my rants, convict me of overgeneralization, and declare me to be equally as judging. To that, my response is pure and simple. As much as you tout yourself to the world as being all-that-and-a-bag-of-chips—excuse me for expecting you to act like Jesus.

What was I thinking?

Evidently, just because there’s a cross on top, a Bible in hand, or verses in a Facebook post, doesn’t mean there’s Jesus—in a building, mind, or heart. In fact, more and more, it’s becoming a sad indication, He’s probably not.

Trump-loving conservative Christian, excuse me for expecting you to act like Jesus.

I deeply appreciate this plea to conservatives who have kidnapped Jesus Christ and are blackmailing the country to bow to their dictatorship of Satan led religion. We have been put down and sent to eternal damnation because we are not a member of their club and they have always one extra rule that we probably haven’t worshipped. I think of baptism only qualifying as baptism unless every last hair on your head and body is wet. If not….well, off to hell with us.
I have faithfully forgiven them every step of the way, but it is exhausting. And, I lament what has happened to Christ’s Gospel when it is adulterated in all the ways the Chris has discussed. Thanks again.

Chris, I’m glad you came out and said exactly what I feel and what I should have said out loud long ago (although I’m not very good at expressing myself like you are). But I’m going to give it a try.

I was offended by him going back to the primary debates by all his hate speech against almost every segment of society and every ethnic group. I was especially offended when he came out (I believe in Iowa where many evangelicals were part of their caucus), holding a Bible–AND NOT ONE OF THEM WERE OFFENDED BY HIM USING GOD’S BOOK AS A POLITICAL PROP???!!!

I also never understood how so many people allowed themselves to be “marks” for a conman. How could people elect someone who spoke words that probably shocked Jesus since they went against everything He taught? I’ve asked myself if it’s because most Christians haven’t actually read the Bible? After all, most Christians I know haven’t (which I never understood because how can a person claim to be something when they don’t know what that “something” really is? It shows a willingness to believe whatever others tell you what that something is!

I’m still in such disbelief that someone like Trump was elected that I ask myself if racism against President Obama possibly caused people to elect someone so full of hatred because they felt his meekness was a sign of weakness? Trump has led such an amoral life that I don’t understand how ANY Christian could have voted for him! He said such hateful things that Christians were willing to overlook! How? Why?

They believed him when he said fake news was irresponsible and that “the media is our enemy” when they reported what came out of HIS own mouth?! Had they actually watched the real news they would have seen and heard him say the horrendous things he said for themselves! But again, they took the word of others rather than take a little time to listen and learn for themselves.

I ask myself if this could be the “anti-Christ” coming to power? I can’t help but feeling so afraid. The Bible warned us that people would follow him. People voted out of anger, this is one thing we know. But it’s never good to act on anger–that’s usually when we make our biggest mistakes.

So thank you Trump followers! Thank you for hurting so many people, including yourselves. If you don’t see this yet it’s because you still refuse to look at all he’s done in the short time he’s been in office. The fallout from it will be coming. I hope that when the hurt you caused by your anger and ignorance comes upon you, your family and/or neighbors, that you’ll finally take out your Bibles and READ them. But sadly, it will be too late for all of us. Hate won. I’m sorry Jesus.

There’s a group whose leaders lie to control and recruit its followers. A group whose leaders twist their scriptures to recruit its followers and to justify any evil they commit against the people. A group whose leaders recruit the disenfranchised and angry and gullible among us. A group whose actions, increasingly, are affecting people in other nations. A group whose leaders cynically use every possible tactic they can to destroy what they hate. A group which despises and intends to destroy that which they see as morally superior.

It calls itself ISIS.

What? You thought I was writing about Trump and his inner circle? Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I can see where you might have gotten that idea.

I admire your passion and honesty. I am not a Christian (Buddhist), but we share many of the same beliefs. Jesus is certainly to be admired, loved and emulated. Unfortunately, I grew up in a town nicknamed, “the armpit of religion” where I went to school, worked with and became friends with the very “type” of Christians you refer to. It has always frightened me that these people calling themselves Christians were growing in number and power. Not only where I grew up, but worldwide. I now live in Taiwan and they are here. And they are growing in number and power. I know what Christ wants of people. One word: Love. But I don’t see it in these people and this worries me so. Thus it is that I follow the writings of people like you to reassure myself that there are Christians who truly follow Christ. It gives me hope, even though I am not Christian, because it is a powerful religion that, as you point out, has been the root of so much evil. Thank you for giving this to all of us. We are all brothers and sisters. May your god bless you. Paul.

David, thanks for reading and commenting. I don’t hate Trump, he is not consuming my thoughts and anger. Yes, this post, in my opinion, reflects the way of Jesus in confronting religious oppression, legalism, and self-righteousness.

Words are not my forte but yours fit me like a glove! Thank you for posting truth. Sometimes it’s really hard to deal with the hatefulness coming from the ‘Christians’ . I find myself lately wanting to shake them till their teeth rattle. Your words make me feel like trying harder to love, not hate! Your words are perfect!

Why is Trump so important to you that you ignored all of Chris’ salient and accurate points about Christian hypocrisy to defend a man who embodies many of the flaws he wrote about? Why is your distrust of the political system in the U.S. worth making a point over while ignoring the more important charges about how Christians have strayed so far from Jesus’ teachings?

I have not read any other of Chris’ writings (yet) so I have only this post to go on. Frankly he seems spot on. If I were trying to live by example in accordance with a particular creed or spiritual philosophy I would also be quite upset with those who make a point about being “holier than thou” but who live their lives quite the opposite way.

Perhaps you might ask yourself why his post bothers you so much before casting that stone.

David, The truth really will set you free. Yes, this post is the way of Jesus, Why? Because everything Chris said is the TRUTH! Period. Being ‘willfullly ignorant’ is NOT a virtue. Pray for truth and you will find it. I truly hope you do. Peace to you brother, Becca

All the thoughts trapped in my mind and heart for years and years but could never express so clearly and eloquently. Thank you for speaking on behalf of those of us who feel the same but just don’t have your gift for words.

Another Christian who read this with my head nodding. For years I’ve remained quiet and just tried to find common ground even though I knew so many of my fellow “Christians” and I weren’t on the same page. Same page? Goodness, we’re not even in the same book. I still find myself at a loss as to how to interact with family and friends (I don’t really consider them such anymore, really.) in that camp. I’m so appalled and disgusted that I keep my distance. Which is better, to stay away or interact and try to show the light/love? I don’t know.

Sunny, thanks for reading and commenting! I completely understand and hope you hear the loud and clear message, “you are not alone!” Navigating these relationships is tough stuff for sure and unfortunately there isn’t always an easy answer to it all.

Chris…I feel as if I have authored your columns myself! I’m happy that I am not alone in my thoughts and feelings. I have struggled with “religion” for as long as I can remember and hurt by churches where I felt I was never good enough. Then comes along Trump. I have a hard time understanding how people I thought I knew…friends and family, could vote for someone so opposite of what Jesus explains in his Sermon on the Mount. Many years ago I read the books, Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli and the Joshua series by Father Joseph Gerzone (both authors have passed) and they helped me realize what and how Jesus would want us to live. Although I am uncertain about the “why” behind Trump’s nomination ( I have my theories that lead back to God saying, “When my people turn back to me, I will save them.”), I am thankful that you and others, (along with me) are willing to stand for what Jesus truly stands for. I feel if we don’t do something to stand against the greed and idolization we see happening in the churches and our country, it will shape generations to come.

Thank you, Chris, for what you write. I am a former pastor (20 years) and a pastor’s kid. I haven’t had much to do with church for the last 5 years because of the pain God’s people have caused me. I have some major trust issues. Just reading your posts makes me feel like I am being led and fed again. Your voice is like the prophets’ of old. I really believe that you are a prophetic voice to a nation right now. I pray that your voice will be heard. It reminds me so much of the many times in the Old Testament that God tried to get the Israelites to listen and turn their hearts back to Him. It may seem like you are speaking to a rock wall – but be encouraged, because the wall, the mountain will be moved. Your words will penetrate. Words that penetrate beget reaction. Be ready for a negative push back, but don’t be silenced. We need your voice!

Thank you so much Sarah, what an encouraging comment and call for solidarity. None of us are alone in this journey, and I stand with you side by side as a voice declaring hope and a partaker of the awakening to Grace that God is bringing upon the world. Let’s be brave together and stay connected! Thanks again Sarah!

This piece of writing sounds as negative as what you are actually upset about. I wouldn’t want to hold on to that much anger. I think you are actually missing the mark. The president is a puppet no matter whom he or she is. Voting is an illusion. The presidents are hand picked way before they ever “run” for office. The public is deceived.

If, as the Bible says, the church is the people, then how can one who believes that while “faith, hope, and love abide, the greatest of these is love,” reconcile these two things? The people who support the hatred that has flourished in the US both against Barack Obama and for Donald Trump are self-proclaimed Christians. After much soul-searching, I have left that church and don’t call myself by any religious group’s name. Those vindictive, angry people disgust me. I judge them only so far as to say I want the —- away from them – always in all ways.

Anne and David…I admit that some things have gone a bit too far against Trump, i.e. the Kathy Griffin bloody head “joke” (not funny to me, even though I “hate” just about everything Trump stands for); but how do you feel about all the terrible hate-filled statements Trump himself has made going back to the primary debates? Is that OK with you? After all, Jesus even used the word “hate” and told us we are to hate and stand up to injustice, for one example.

Extremely eloquent–thank you! The Lincoln quote that includes the line re. fooling some of the people all of the time keeps popping into my mind when I think about Trump true believers. But even the pragmatic mind of our greatest President would be boggled by the fact that there are tens of millions of them–still.

As an outsider (atheist) looking in, I think where Christianity went wrong was in teaching Jesus died for people’s sins. Plural. Should have stuck to it being died for the original sin, but every sin you commit as a living, breathing human being counts against you for entry into Heaven unless you atone for it.
Right now, it’s treated like a free pass. You believe, you get to go to heaven. At least the Catholics call on their followers to do some Hail Mary’s and other small penances. So what’s the point of behaving yourself and acting decently if all you have to do is say you accept J.C. as your Lord and Savior and, bam, you’re in through the eye of the needle?
Liked the factoid about divorce rates. Hadn’t run across that one before.

Lois, Jesus, on several occasions, had much more aggressive rants against the religious and the oppressors of His day than I have ever written. If you don’t like what I have to question and say about Trump, you’re going to hate what Jesus does.

Lois: Do you really know your Bible at all? Here are several passages that you might find appropriate:

Jn 8:44 “(The Devil) was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. ”

2 Cor 11:10-15 “10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me (Paul), this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.”

Lk 16:18 “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Lk 6:45 “The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. ”

James 1:26 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.”

James 3:11-12 “11 Can both fresh water and bitter water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

(All passages from the Berean Study Bible

Donald Trump lies to his followers and listeners. He postures as a “great” man who will “save” America. He is multiple adulterer, both while married and with other men’s wives. He has cheated his contractors. He has bought up companies, transferred his personal debt to those companies, then bailed out leaving those companies to face the financial consequences. He has divorced two women for no reason other than the fact that he grew tired of them and found replacements. He uses crass, vulgar speech in his comments about others. He repeatedly mocks and bullies the weak and helpless. Whenever there is a tragedy he immediately uses it to keep selling his agenda of terror instead of grieving with the victims. He has no patience, no kindness, no empathy, no humility.

And you worship this dog? Why? Because he’s promised to appoint judges to the Supreme Court who are going to “outlaw” abortion and marital equality? I feel very sorry for you.

I Cor 13:4-7 “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 6 Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Read those verses very carefully. Then really, sincerely look at Trump’s behavior and character. Then tell us again why you worship the man.

To those that think this post is about Trump, I believe you’re mistaken. It’s actually about you. Those of us who aren’t Trump supporters but who believe in the essence of Christianity are in a tough place. We see others who claim to be Christians acting un-Christianlike. We see professions of love followed by declarations of hate. We see the urging of adherence to gospel followed by actions that are clearly against it. We see demands to protect the unborn followed by rallying cries to kill those who don’t look like us. Was “Thou Shalt Not Kill” too vague? This post was about hypocrisy and the unfortunate masses caught between wanting to denounce those who are hypocritical, without reflecting badly on Christianity as a whole.

As Mahatma Gahndi said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

Dear President, you don’t leave your life like everyone else.Jesus said by Grace he are saved.when he saves you ..you begin to make a change in your life. Jesus will help you makevthat change. But we all need him because that’s where or next breath comes from. He said if you keep his commandments and walk inn his statues ( in his ways) he would be right there with you. But you overcome your battles ;by praying…..praising andworshiping him. He will bring you out Every time. But God is the one who woke you up every morning. It was by. The saints prayd that got yoi where you at. So I would be so big to talk about the Christian peopleand God himself. Cause just as quick as God put you in the place ur in … God can also remove you. Pray everyday and ask God what would he have you to work on in that day. God will lead and guide u. So i pray u be safe and.get this transgendermess taken cared of. I don’t want too go to the bathroom and get raped. I have been raped enough in my life time.

Miss Diane, I’m sorry to tell you this, but you’ve wasted your time posting your message. First, because Trump will never read it. Second, because he doesn’t care a rip about how many people are upset or offended by him or his vulgarity. He hates people, says the things he says because it hurts them, and sits back laughing when they squawk.

I’m afraid that all you’ve done with your posting is to preach to the already converted.